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Myth

THE MYTH OF LEGENDARY LANGKAWI

Top of th Seven Wells

Scenery of Seven Wells

The myth behind Telaga Tujuh ( Seven Wells )

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls is billed as the island’s most wonderful natural attraction. Set on Langkawi’s western headlands, its name means Seven Wells Waterfalls, referring to a series of seven connected natural pools fed by seven separate waterfalls in Mount Mat Cincang.

Managed by the Berjaya Leisure (part of the bigwig Berjaya Group), there is an ugly pipeline that runs next to the pools and the waterfall goes all the way to the Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort. This development has resulted in reducing the water flow at the pools during the wet season to a reserved cascade and a trickle in dry season.

Locals say that the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls are home to fairies, but really it is probably the gorgeous flora in the area that makes the place seem magical. Plant life here includes unique lime plants and Sintuk, a climbing type of foliage, which grow abundantly.

Adventure enthusiasts can brave the steep climb to the top of the waterfalls, past huge rocks and through the seven pools: a journey that will take you approximately 45 minutes, along the way you are likely to spot macaques, horn bills and a positively giant squirrel or two along the way.

A rock formation resembles a sleeping princess

The Myth of Gua Cerita or The Cave Of Legends

The Gua Cerita or "Cave with a Legend" is one of the many fascinating limestone caves situated in the north-east of Langkawi. It comprises two limestone caves, one above the other and faces the sea. There are a number of legends associated with the Gua Cerita, one of which was related to Merong Maha Wangsa in the episode involving the Roman and the Chinese Emperors.

The story goes that the emperors of Rome and China had a plan to marry off their children. The scheme was opposed by the legendary Geruda (phoenix) who saw the union of the two great powers as a threat to the other smaller kingdoms. The Geruda was determined to quash the scheme; what it did was to abduct the Chinese pricess and hid her in a cave believed to be on Langkawi Island. It then set to attack and destroy the Roman fleet commanded by Merong Maha Wangsa with the Roman Prince on it. Merong Maha Wangsa is said to be of mythical origin, the descendents of an indera (a minor divinity) and a gergasi(orge).

The Legendary Bird Garuda

During the battle Merong Maha Wangsa summoned the help of Jentayu, the mythical bird of water. However the Geruda was victorious. During the battle the Roman prince fell into the sea and was washed ashore on the island where the Chinese princess was hidden. He was later found by the princess's maids and the couple were finally united in betrothal.

Meanwhile the Geruda had thought he was victorious but came to know later that the couple was united in marriage. In disgrace the Geruda vanished itself from the world.

There are other places in Langkawi with equally interesting and mysterious legends. The Gua Langsiar (Cave of the Banshee), somewhat weird sounding, was believed to be a haven for vampires. The caves with its ghost-like appearance immediately strikes a visitor of the semblance of truth with the legend.